(Newser)
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On the heels of his surprise visit to American troops in Afghanistan, President Obama today will put the number of troops he intends to keep there at 9,800, with the intent to call most of those home by 2016. But there's a "but": Kabul, soon to be led by someone other than Hamid Karzai, must sign the bilateral security agreement that Karzai has so fiercely resisted. As the AP notes, the White House is pretty confident that either candidate seeking the presidency will sign. With US troop levels currently at 32,000, Washington would draw down levels to 9,800 by the end of this year, with fewer than 1,000 remaining after 2016. The official announcement, set for this afternoon, is in line with what the Pentagon has sought.

Why don't we hear from Cindy Sheehan anymore. I guess they're all a bunch of hypocrits!

Dr Geo Douglas

May 28, 2014 9:05 AM CDT

Our longest war continues. The USA did not accomplish its mission in Vietnam and it seems it will not here. We are unnecessarily spending billions and ruining the lives of our young men and women only to profit the war mongers like Haliburton and Cheney.

Arthur Vandelay

May 28, 2014 8:49 AM CDT

Hey I thought Obama won the Nobel Peace prize 2 days after he was elected cause he was against war and he would not start wars and would end the Iraq war. Fooled me